Posted in Delaware
February 18, 2016
Here Are 10 of The Most Charming Small Towns in Delaware
With only three cities in the state with more than 30,000 residents, and only one city that most out of staters would consider anything like a real city, Delaware is dotted with small towns boasting populations that are smaller than the student body of some high schools in surrounding states.
While each one of Delaware’s 57 municipalities has nuggets of small town charm, here are 10 places in Delaware, each with a population of less than 5000 people, that are particularly alluring.
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Clayton is a tiny, one-traffic-light town with all of the essentials: a coffee shop, a pizza place, several churches, a school, a post office, a police and fire department, and a tractor dealership. This little gem is nestled alongside the larger town of Smyrna, which together co-host an annual 4th of July parade that brings out the small town pride of this little town and it’s larger next-door neighbor.
Bowers is a quiet fishing village with the town motto “The Way Life Used to Be.” Bowers was and still is home to many commercial and recreational fishing boats. In the warmer months, grab a bite of the day’s fresh catch at JP’s on the Wharf after taking a stroll along the quiet stretch of bay beach.
This is one Delaware town whose main landmarks have not changed much in the past 200 years. The vast bulk of the acreage of Odessa comprises a historic district with centuries old homes and gardens. Around the holidays, the Historic Odessa Foundation hosts tours of the area with period appropriate decorations.
Situated on the banks of the Broadkill River, Milton has a little something for everyone. With nearly 200 places on the federal historic register, it has some of the most classic Victorian architecture found in the state, but it’s also home to the famous Dogfish Head Brewing Company. Surrounded by nature and a mere seven miles from the Delaware Bay, it’s also popular with environmentally minded tourists.
Arden is known in the state for its unique architecture and artsy community. The Arden Club is well known for its live concerts and theater productions. Don’t miss Arden Faire annually each September for a full celebration of the village’s arts and crafts culture.
Population 2319, Selbyville sits on the southern border of Delaware and Maryland. Each June the town celebrates "Old Timers Day and Car Show" transporting this classic southern town backwards in time with cars, tractors and firetrucks from 1985 and earlier.
“If you lived here, you’d be home now.” That’s the saying on the sign that welcomes you into town along Delaware Highway Route 13. Celebrate Bridgeville’s deep roots in agriculture with the annual Apple Scrapple Festival, or try for a hole-in-one at the beautifully manicured Heritage Shores Golf Course.
Wyoming owes its status as a town to the neighboring, slightly larger town of Camden, which would not grant access to the Pennsylvania Railroad during construction. The Railroad routed around Camden and established a railroad station just “over the tracks,” in what is now present day Wyoming. Wyoming pays homage to its status as a peach producing town with an annual peach festival each August.
You can assume that in Delaware, we use the term ‘city’ lightly, and thus the population of only 1735 should come as no surprise. Delaware City calls itself a "quaint riverfront community,' and that it is. Located along the Delaware River, the town revolves around its proximity to beautiful marshes, and the nearby Fort Delaware accessible by ferry from the town. Boutique shops and small eateries line the main drag.
Located along the banks of the Broad Creek, Laurel had its start as a Nanticoke Indian settlement before it grew to a grain and lumber center for southern Delaware. Now, in efforts to both expand the downtown area and take full advantage of the waterfront, Laurel is quickly becoming a place to be.
One thing is for sure if you travel around Delaware in any town, or city, or village: you’ll find a small-town feel everywhere you go.
